Photographic products and processes for color diffusion transfer

ABSTRACT

THE PRESENT INVENTION RELATES TO A COMPOSITE PHOTOGRAPHIC DIFFUSION TRANSFER COLOR PROCESS FILM UNIT WHICH COMPRISES A PHOTOSENSITIVE LAMINATE INCLUDING A DIMENSIONALLY STABLE TRANSPARENT SUPPORT CARRYING A DYEABLE POLYMERIC LAYER, A PROCESSING COMPOSITION PERMEABLE OPAQUE LAYER, AND A PHOTOSENSITIVE SILVER HALIDE LAYER HAVING ASSOCIATED THEREWITH A DYE TRANSFER IMAGE-FORMING MATERIAL; A DIMENSIONALLY STABLE SHEET ADAPTED TO BE SUPERPOSED SUBSTANTIALLY COEXTENSIVE THE SURFACE OF THE LAMINATE OPPOSITE THE TRANSPARENT SUPPORT, AND A PROCESSING COMPOSITION ADAPTED TO BE SPREAD ON THE SURFACE OF THE LAMINATE OPPOSITE THE TRANSPARENT SUPPORT AND BETWEEN THE LAMINATE AND SUPERPOSED SHEET; AND MEANS FOR REDUCING THE PH OF SAID PROCESSING COMPOSITION FROM A FIRST PH AT WHICH SAID DYE IMAGE-FORMING MATERIAL IS SOLUBLE AND DIFFUSIBLE TO A SECOND PH AT WHICH SAID MATERIAL IS SUBSTANTIALLY NON-DIFFUSIBLE; AND TO SPECIFIED COLOR DIFFUSION TRANSFER PROCESSES EMPLOYING SUCH FILM UNIT.

PHOTOGRAPHIC PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES FOR COLOR DIFFUSION TRANSFER Original Filed May 22, 1970 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG.I

INVENTOR. HOWARD a ROGERS BY @WWM f ATTORN S H. G. ROGERS O PHOTOGRAPHIC PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES FOR COLOR DIFFUSION TRANSFER 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed May 22, 1970 EG EEZ r// Q m 1 mm 7 mm .m om '2 S 9 r u 2 Q 74, om S n.

INVENTOR. HOWARD 6. ROGERS Y /ww n and M and p a I a I ATTORN Oct.-31,u1972 H. G. ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHIC PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES FOR COLOR DIFFUSION TRANSFER Original Filed May 22, 1970 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 553 5555725 524 QENJGESUZ 5:3 muomf 5:3 02.23% 3;:

I NVENTOR. HOWARD 6. ROGERS BY swung/Mm and ATTORNE J United States Patent 3,701 656 PHOTOGRAPHIC PRODIJCTS AND PROCESSES FOR COLOR DIFFUSION TRANSFER Howard G. Rogers, Weston, Mass, assignor to Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, Mass. I Continuation of application Ser. No. 39,666, May 22, 1970, which is a continuation-in-part of abandoned application Ser. No. 815,585, Apr. 14, 1969, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of abandoned application Ser. No. 728,535, May 13, 1968. This application July 2, 1971, Ser. No. 159,207

Int. Cl. G03c ]/48, 5/54 ,7/00

US. Cl. 96-3 28 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to a composite photographic dilfusion transfer color process film unit which comprises a photosensitive laminate including a dimensionally stable transparent support carrying a dyeable polymeric layer, a processing composition permeable opaque layer, and a photosensitive silver halide layer having associated therewith a dye transfer image-forming material; a dimensionally stable sheet adapted to be superposed substantially coextensive the surface of the laminate opposite the transparent support, and a process ing composition adapted to be spread on the surface of the laminate opposite the transparent support and between the laminate and superposed sheet; and means for reducing the pH of said processing composition from a first pH at which said dye image-forming material is soluble and diifusible to a second pH at which said material is substantially non-diffusible; and to specified color diffusion transfer processes employing such film unit.

This application is a continuation of my copending U .S. application Ser. No. 39,666 filed May 22, 1970, now vU.S. Pat. No. 3,594,164 in turn in part a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 815,585 filed Apr. 14, 1969 (now abandoned), in turn in part a continuation of my copending. U.-S. application Ser. No, 728,535 filed May 13, 1968 (now abandoned).

The present invention relates to photography and, more particularly, to photographic products particularly adapted for employment in photographic diffusion transfer color processes.

The primary objects of the present invention are to provide photographic products particularly adapted for employment in diffusion transfer photographic color processes; to provide photographic products which comprise a photosensitive laminate which preferably contains a plurality of layers including a photosenstive silver halide layer having a dye image-forming material associated therewith which is processing composition diifusible, as a function of silver halide layer photoexposure, a permeable opaque layer, a polymeric layer dyeable by the dye image-forming material, preferably a polymeric layer containing sufiicient acidifying capacity to effect reduction of a selected processing solution having a first pH at which the dye image-forming material is soluble and diifusible as a function of silver halide layer exposure to incident actinic radiation, a second pH at which the dye imageforming material is substantially nondiffusible, and a dimensionally stable transparent layer; to provide photographic diifusion transfer products comprising a film unit including a photosensitive laminate, of the last-identified type, in combination with means for distributing processing composition, preferably possessing the first pH and containing dispersed therein an opacifying agent on the surface of the laminate opposite the transposed layer; to provide a diffusion transfer film unit, of the last-identified ICC type, having container means fixedly positioned and extending transverse a leading edge of the photosensitive laminate whereby to effect, upon application of compressive pressure, discharge of processing compositions contiguous the surface of the laminate opposite the dimensionally stable transparent layer; to provide a diffusion transfer film unit of the last-mentioned type including a separate dimensionally stable sheet element fixedly positioned extending transverse a leading edge of the photosensitive laminate and adapted to be superposed subsequent to photoexposure contiguous the surface of the laminate opposite the transparent layer; and to provide photographic ditfusion transfer color processes employing such products.

"Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the product possessing the features, properties and the relation of components and the process involving the several steps and the relation and order of one or more of such steps with respect to each of the others which are exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the claims.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a photographic film unit in accordance with the invention;

FIGS, 2, 4 and '6 are diagrammatic enlarged crosssectional views of the film unit of FIG. 1, along section line 2-2, illustrating the association of elements during the three illustrated stages of the performance of a diffusion transfer process, for the production of a multicolor transfer image according to the invention, the thickness of the various materials being exaggerated, and wherein FIG. 2 represents an exposure stage, FIG. 4 represents a processing stage and FIG. 6 represents a product of the process; and

FIGS. 3, 5 and 7 are diagrammatic, further enlarged cross-sectional views of the film unit of FIGS. 2, 4 and 6, along section lines 33, 55 and 77, respectively, further illustrating, in detail, the arrangement of layers comprising the photosensitive laminate during the three illustrated stages of the transfer process.

As disclosed in US. Pat. No. 2,983,606, issued May 9, 1961, a photosensitive element containing a dye developer, that is, a dye which is a silver halide developing agent, and a silver halide emulsion may be exposed and wetted by a liquid processing composition, for example, by immersion, coating, spraying, flowing, etc., in the dark, and the exposed photosensitive element is superposed prior to, during, or after wetting, on a sheetlike support element which may be utilized as an image-receiving element. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid processing composition is applied to the photosensitive element in a substantially uniform layer as the photosensitive element is brought into superposed relationship with the image-receiving layer. The liquid processing composition, positioned intermediate the photosensitive element and the image-receiving layer, permeates the emulsion to initiate development of the latent image contained therein. The dye developer is immobilized or precipitated in exposed areas as a consequence of the development of the latent image. This immobilization is apparently, at least in part, due to a change in the solubility characteristics of the dye developer upon oxidation and especially as regards its solubility in alkaline solutions. It may also be due in part to a tanning eifect on the emulsion by oxidized developing agent, and in part to a localized exhaustion of alkali as a result of development. In unexposed and partially eX posed areas of the emulsion, the dye developer is unreacted anddiffusible and thus provides an imagewise distribution of unoxidized dye developer dissolved in the liquid processing composition, as a function of the pointto-point degree of exposure of the silver halide emulsion. At least part of this imagewisedistribution of unoxidized dye developerv is transferred, by imbibition, to a superposed image-receiving layer or element, said transfer substantially excluding oxidized dye developer. The imagereceiving element receives a depthwise diffusion, from the developed emulsion, of unoxidized dye developer without appreciably disturbing the imagewise distribution thereof to provide the reversed or positive color image of the developedimage. The image-receiving element may contain agents adapted to mordant or otherwise fix the diffused, unoxidized dye developer. -If the color of the transferred dye developer is affected by changes in the pH of the image-receiving element, this pH may be adjusted in accordance with well-known techniques to provide a pH affording the desired color. The desired positive image is revealed by stripping the image-receiving layer from the photosensitive element at the end of a suitable imbibition period.

The dye developers, as noted above, are compounds which contain, in the same molecule, both the chromophoric system of a dye and also a silver halide developing function. By a silver halide developing function is meant a grouping adapted to develop exposed silver halide. A preferred silver halide development function is a hydroquinonyl group. Other suitable developing functions include ortho-dihydroxyphenyl and orthoand para-amino substituted hydroxyphenyl groups. In general, the development function includes a benzenoid developing function, that is, an aromatic developing group which forms quinonoid or quinone substances when oxidized.

Multicolor images may be obtained using color imageforming components such as, for example, the previously mentioned dye developers, in diffusion transfer processes by several techniques. One such technique contemplates obtaining multicolor transfer images utilizing dye developers by employment of an integral multilayer photosensitive element, such as is disclosed in the aforementioned US. Pat. No. 2,983,606, and particularly with reference to FIG. 9 of the patents drawing, wherein at least two selectively sensitized photosensitive strata, superposed on a single support, are processed, simultaneously and without separation, with a single, common imagereceiving layer. A suitable arrangement of this type comprises a support carrying a red-sensitive silver halide emulsion stratum, a green-sensitive silver halide emulsion stratum and a blue-sensitive silver halide emulsion stratum, said emulsions having associated therewith, respectively, for example, a cyan dye developer, a magenta dye developer and a yellow dye developer. The dye developer may be utilized in the silver halide emulsion layer, for example, in the form of particles, or it may be employed as a layer behind the appropriate silver halide emulsion strata. Each set of silver halide emulsion and associated dye developer strata are disclosed to be optionally separated from other sets by suitable interlayers, for example, by a layer of gelatin or polyvinyl alcohol. In certain instances, it may desirable to incorporate a yellow filter in front of the green-sensitive emulsion and such yellow filter may be incorporated in an interlayer. However, where desirable, a yellow dye developer of the appropriate spectral characteristics and present in a state capable of functioning as a yellow filter may be employed. In such instances, a separate yellow filter may be omitted.

The dye developers are preferably selected for their ability to provide colors that are useful in carrying out substractive color photography, that is, the previously mentioned cyan, magenta and yellow. The dye developers employed may be incorporated in the respective silver halide emulsion or, in the preferred embodiment, in a sep arate layer behind the respective silver halide emulsion. Specifically, the dye developer may, for example, be in a coating or layer behind the respective silver halide emulsion and such a layer of dye developer may be applied by use of a coating solution containing about 0.5 to 8%, by weight, of the respective dye developer distributed in a film-forming natural, or synthetic, polymer, for example, gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol, and the like, adapted to be permeated by the chosen diffusion transfer fluid processing composition.

As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,362,819, image-receiving elements, particularly adapted for employment in diffusion transfer processes of the type disclosed in aforementioend U.S. Pat. No. 2,983,606, wherein the imagereceiving elements are separated from contact with a superposed photosensitive element, subsequent to substantial transfer image formation, preferably comprise a support layer possessing on one surface thereof, in sequence, a polymeric layer which is acidic in character and an image-receiving layer adapted to provide a visible image upon transfer to said layer of diffusible dye image-forming substance, and most preferably include an inert timing or spacer layer intermediate the acidic polymeric layer and the image-receiving layer.

As set forth in the last-mentioned U.S. patent, the acid polymeric layer may comprise polymers which contain acid groups, such as carboxylic acidvand sulfonic acid groups, which are capable of forming salts with alkali metals, such as sodium, potassium etc., or with organic bases, particularly quaternary ammonium bases, such as tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide, or potentially acidyielding groups, such as anhydrides or l-actones, or other groups which are capable of reacting with bases to capture and retain them. In the preferred embodiments disclosed, the acid polymer contains free carboxyl groups and the transfer processing composition employed contains a large concentration of sodium and/or potassium ions. The acid polymers stated to be most useful are characterized by containing free carboxyl groups, being insoluble in water in the free acid form, and by forming water-soluble sodium and/or potassium salts. One may also employ polymers containing carboxylic acid anhydride groups, at least some of which preferably have been converted to free carboxyl groups prior to imbibition. While the most readily available polymeric acids are derivatives of cellulose or of vinyl polymers, polymeric acids from other classes of polymers may be used. As examples of specific polymeric acids set forth in the application, mention may be made of dibasic acid half-ester derivatives of cellulose which derivatives contain free carboxyl groups, e.g., cellulose acetate hydrogen phthalate, cellulose acetate hydrogen glutarate, cellulose acetate hydrogen succinate, ethyl cellulose hydrogen succinate, ethyl cellulose acetate hydrogen succinate, cellulose acetate hydrogen succinate hydrogen phthalate; ether and ester derivatives of cellulose modified with sulfoanyhdrides, e.g., with ortho-sulfobenzoic anhydride, polystyrene sulfonic acid; carboxymethyl cellulose; polyvinyl hydrogen phthalate; polyvinyl acetate hydrogen phthalate; polyacrylic acid; acetals of polyvinyl alcohol with carboxy or sulfo substituted aldehydes, e.g., o-, mor p-benzaldehyde sulfonic acid or carboxylic acid; partial esters of ethylene/ maleic anhydride copolymers; partial esters of methylvinyl ether/maleic anhydride copolymers; etc.

The acidic polymer layer is disclosed to contain at least sufficient acid groups to effect a reduction in the pH of the image layer from a pH of about 13 to '14 to a pH of at least 11 or lower at the end of the imbibition period, and preferably to a pH of about 5 to 8 within a short time after imbibition. As previously noted, the pH of the processing composition preferably is of the order of at least 13 to 14.

It is, of course, necessary that the action of the polymeric layer be so controlled as not to interfere with either development of the negative or image transfer of unoxi;

dized dye developers. For this reason, the pH of the image layer is kept at a level of pH 12 to 14 until the dye image has been formed after which the pH is reduced very rapidly to at least about pH 11, and preferably about 9 to 10. Unoxidized dye developers containing hydroquinonyl developing radicals diffuse from the negative to the positive as the sodium or other alkali salt. The diffusion rate of such dye image-forming components thus is at least partly a function of the alkali concentration, and it is necessary that the pH of the image layer remain on the order of 12 to 14 until transfer of the necessary quantity of dye has been accomplished. The subsequent pH reduction, in addition to its desirable effect upon image light stability, serves a highly valuable photographic function by substantially terminating further dye transfer. The processing technique thus effectively minimizes changes in color balance as a result of longer imbibition times in multicolor transfer processes using multilayer negatives.

In order to prevent premature pH reduction during transfer processing, as evidence, for example, by an undesired reduction in positive image density, the acid component is disclosed to be so distributed in the acidic polymer layer that the rate of its availability to the alkali is controllable, e.g., as a function of the rate of swelling of the polymer layer which rate in turn has a direct relationship to the diffusion rate of the alkali ions. The desired distribution of the acid material in the acid polymer layer may be effected, for example, by mixing an acid polymer with a polymer free of acid groups, or lower in concentration of acid groups, and compatible therewith, or by using only the acid polymer but selecting one having a relatively lower proportion of acid groups. These embodiments are illustrated, respectively, in the cited copending application, by (a) a mixture of cellulose acetate and cellulose acetate hydrogen phthalate and (b) a cellulose acetate hydrogen phthalate polymer having a much lower percentage of phthalyl groups than the first-mentioned cellulose acetate hydrogen phthalate.

It is also disclosed that the layer containing the acid component may contain a water-insoluble polymer, preferably a cellulose ester, which acts to control or modulate the rate at which the alkali salt of the acid is formed. As examples of cellulose esters contemplated for use, mention is made of cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate butyrate, etc. The particular polymers and combinations of polymers employed in any given embodiment are, of course, selected so as to have adequate wet and dry strength and when necessary or desirable, suitable subcoats may be employed to help the various polymeric layers adhere to each other during storage and use.

In U.S. Pat. No. 3,362,821, it is also disclosed that the acid polymeric layer may be disposed within the photosensitive element of the film unit intermediate that elements support and next adjacent photosensitive silver halide emulsion layer and associated dye image-providing material, with the optional presence of a spacer or timing layer intermediate the acid layer and next adjacent silver halide emulsion layer.

The inert spacer layer of the last-mentioned U.S. patents, for example, an inert spacer layer comprising polyvinyl alcohol or gelatin, acts to time control the pH reduction by the polymeric acid layer. This timing is disclosed to be a function of the rate at which the alkali diffuses through the inert spacer layer. It was stated to have been found that the pH does not drop until the alkali has passed through the spacer layer, i.e., the pH is not reduced to any significant extent by the mere diffusion into the interlayer, but the pH drops quite rapidly once the alkali diffuses through the spacer layer.

As disclosed in aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 3,362,819, the presence of an inert spacer layer was found to be elfective in evening out the various reaction rates over a wide range of temperatures, for example, by preventing premature pH reduction when imbibition is effective at temperatures above room temperature, for example, at 95 to 100 F. By providing an inert spacer layer, that application discloses that the rate at which alkali is available for capture in the polymeric acid layer becomes a function of the alkali diffusion rates.

However, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,445,686, preferably the aforementioned rate at which the cations of the alkaline processing composition, i.e., alkali ions, are available for capture in the polymeric acid layer should be decreased with increasing transfer processing temperatures in order to provide diffusion transfer color processes relatively independent of positive transfer image variations over an extended range of ambient temperatures.

Specifically, it is there stated to have been found that the diffusion rate of alkali through a permeable inert polymeric spacer layer increases with increased processing temperature to the extent, for example, that at relatively high transfer processing temperatures, that is, transfer processing temperatures above approximately F., a premature decrease in the pH of the transfer processing composition occurs due, at least in part, to the rapid diffusion of alkali from the dye transfer environment and its subsequent neutralization upon contact with the polymeric acid layer. This was stated to be especially true of alkali traversing an inert spacer layer possessing permeability to alkali optimized to be effective within the temperature range of optimum transfer processing. Conversely, at temperatures below the optimum transfer processing range, for example, temperatures below approximately 40 F., the last-mentioned inert spacer layer was disclosed to provide an effective traverse of the inert spacer layer by alkali having temperature depressed diffusion rates and to result in maintenance of the transfer process ing environments high pH for such an extended time interval as to facilitate formation of transfer image stain and its resultant degradation of the positive transfer images color definition.

It is further stated in last-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 3,445,686 to have been found, however, that if the inert spacer layer of the print-receiving element is replaced by a spacer layer which comprises a permeable polymeric layer exhibiting permeability inversely dependent on temperature, that is, a polymeric film-forming material which exhibits decreasing permeability to solubilized alkali derived cations such as alkali metal and quaternary ammonium ions under conditions of increasing temperature, that the postive transfer image defects resultant from the aforementioned overextended pH maintenance and/or premature pH reduction are obviated.

As examples of polymers which were disclosed to exhibit inverse temperature-dependent permeability to alkali, mention may be made of: hydroxypropyl polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl methyl ether, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl oxazolidinone, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, isopropyl cellulose, partial acetals of polyvinyl alcohol such as partial polyvinyl butyral, partial polyvinyl formal, partial polyvinyl acetal, partial polyvinyl propional, and the like.

The last-mentioned specified acetals of polyvinyl were stated to generally comprise saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon chains of a molecular weight of at least 1000, preferably of about 1000 to 50,000, possessing a degree of acetalation within about 10 to 30%, 20 to 80%, and 10 to 40%, of the polyvinyl alcohols theoretical polymeric hydroxyl groups, respectively, and including mixed acetals where desired.

Where desired, a mixture of the polymers is to be employed, for example, a mixture of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and partial polyvinyl butyral.

As examples of materials, for use as the image-receiving layer, mention may be made of solution dyeable polymers such as nylon as, for example, N-methoxymethyl polyhexamethylene adipamide; partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate; polyvinyl alcohol with or without plasticizers; cellulose acetate with filler as, for example, onehalf cellulose acetate and one-half oleic acid; gelatin; and other materials of a similar nature. Preferred materials comprise polyvinyl alcohol or gelatin containing a dye mordant such as poly-4-vinylpyridine, as disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,148,061, issued Sept. 8, 1964.

As disclosed in the previously cited patents, the liquid processing composition referred to for effecting multicolor diifusion transfer processes comprises at least an aqueous solution of an alkaline material, for example, diethylamine, sodiumhydroxide or sodium carbonate and the like, and preferably includes a viscosity-increasing compound constituting a film-forming material of the type which, when the composition is spread and dried, forms a relatively firm and relatively stable film. The preferred film-forming materials disclosed comprise high molecular weight polymers such as polymeric, water-solu ble ethers which are inert to an alkaline solution such as, for example, a hydroxyethyl cellulose or sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Additionally, film-forming materials or thickening agents whose ability to increase viscosity is substantially unaffected if left in solution for a long period of time are also disclosed to be capable of utilization. As stated, the film-forming material is preferably contained in the processing composition in such suitable quantities as to impart to the composition a viscosity in excess of 100 cps. at a temperature of approximately 24 C. and preferably in the order of 100,000 cps. to 200,000 ops. at that temperature.

In accordance with aforementioned US. Pat. No. 2,983,606, an image-receiving layer of the type disclosed in that patent need not be separated from its superposed contact with the photosensitive element, subsequent to transfer image formation, if the image-receiving element is transparent and a processing composition containing a substance rendering the dried processing composition layer opaque is spread between the image-receiving layer and the silver halide emulsion or emulsions.

However, it has been found, if the image-receiving element is maintainedin contact with the photosensitive element, subsequent to dye developer transfer image formation, and includes the presence of an alkaline processing composition, necessarily having a pH at which dye developer, for example, in reduced form, diffuse to form the dye transfer image, intermediate the elements, the transfer image thus formed is unstable over an extended period of time. The dye image instability is due, at least in part to the presence of what is, in general, a relatively high pH alkaline composition in intimate contact with the dye or dyes forming the image. This contact itself provides instability to the molecular structure of dye by, for example, catalyzing degradation and undesirable structural shifts effecting the spectral adsorption characteristics of the image dye. In addition, the presence of an alkaline composition, possessing a pH at which the dye, for example, in reduced form, diffuses, also provides an integral dynamic system wherein oxidized dye, immobilized in areas of the photosensitive element, as a function of its development, with the passage of time attempts to generate, in such areas, an equilibrium between oxidized and reduced dye. In that. the pH of the dynamic system is such that diffusion of the reduced form of the dye will occur, such reduced dye will, at least in part, transfer to the image-receiving layer and the resultant diffusion will imbalance the equilibrium, in such areas of the photosensitive element, in favor of additional formation of reduced dye. As a function of the efficiency of the imagereceiving layer as a dye sink, such nonimagewise dyeing of the image-carrying layer still further imbalances the equilibrium in favor of the additional formation of dye in reduced, diffusible form. Under such circumstances, the transfer image definition, originally carried by the imagereceiving layer, may suffer a continuous decrease in the delta between the images maximum and minimum densities and may, ultimately,.result in the image-receiving elements loss of all semblance of image definition; merely becoming a polymeric stratum carrying a relatively uniform overall dyeing.

Any attempt to decrease the dye sink capacity of the image-carrying layer, for example, by reduction of its mordant capacity, in order to alleviate, at least to an extent, the action of the image-receiving layer as a dye sink, however, will enhance diffusion of the dye, comprising the transfer image, from the image-carrying layer, to the remainder of the element due, at least in part, to the continued presence of the alkaline composition having a pH at which the reduced form of the dye, forming the transfer image, is diffusible. The ultimate result is substantially the same overall image distortion as occurs when the image-receiving layer acts as a dye sink, with the exception that the dye is more extensively distributed throughout the film unit and the ultimate overall dyeing of the image-receiving layer itself is of lower saturation.

As previously discussed, US. Pat. No. 3,362,819 discloses certain image-receiving elements particularly adapted for employment in diffusion transfer color processes, wherein the image-receiving element is separated from contact with a superposed photosensitive element, subsequent to substantial transfer image formation, and which elements provide particular protection of transfer images from the effects of aerial oxidation of dyes forming the color transfer image.

It has now quite unexpectedly been discovered that the problems inherent in fabricating a film unit of the type wherein separate image-receiving and photosensitive elements are maintained in contiguous contact subsequent to dye transfer image formation, for example, a film unit of the type described hereinbefore with reference to aforementioned US. Pat. No. 2,983,606, may be simply and effectively obviated by fabrication of a film unit in accordance with the physical parameters hereinafter specifically set forth.

Specifically, it has now been unexpectedly discovered that an integral photographic film unit particularly adapted for the production of a dye transfer image, by a color diffusion transfer process described hereinafter, will be constructed to include a photosensitive element comprising a laminate having, as essential layers, a photosensitive silver halide layer having associated therewith dye imageproviding material which is diffusible, as a function of the silver halide layers exposure to incident actinic radiation, preferably at a selected first pH; a polymeric layer dyeable by the dye image-providing material; a processing composition permeable opaque layer positioned intermediate the silver halide emulsion layer and the dyeable polymeric layer; a dimensionally stable transparent support layer; and, in the preferred embodiment, a permeable polymeric layer containing sufficient acidifying capacity to effect reduction, subsequent to substantial transfer dye image formation, of a selected processing composition having the first pH to a second pH at which said dye image-providing material is substantially nondiflusible positioned intermediate the transparent support layer and next adjacent essential layer. In combination with the laminate, in the preferred embodiment of the integral film unit, means are provided, such as, rupturable container means adapted to selectively distribute an aqueous processing composition preferably possessing the first pH and opacifying agent on the surface of the laminate opposite the transparent support layer and, more preferably, in combination with a separate processing composition impermeable, fiexible sheet element adapted to be superposed coextensive the contact surface of the laminate intermediate which may be distributed the processing composition.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the film unit is specifically adapted to provide for the production of a multicolor dye transfer image and the photosensitive laminate comprises, in order, at least two selectively sensitized silver halide emulsion strata each having dye image-providing material of predetermined image color subsequent to processing associated therewith which is soluble and dilfusible, in alkali, at a first pH, as

a function of the photoexposure of its associated silver halide emulsion stratum; an alkaline solution permeable opaque layer; an alkaline solution permeable polymeric layer dyeable by the dye image-providing materials; an alkaline solution permeable polymeric acid layer containing suflicient acidifying capacity to effect reduction,

subsequent to substantial multicolor transfer dye image formation, of a processing composition having the first pH to a second pH, at which the dye image-providing material is substantially non-ditfusible; and the dimensionally stable transparent layer.

The silver halide emulsions comprising the multicolor photosensitive laminate preferably possess predominant spectral sensitivity to separate regions of the spectrum and each has associated therewith a dye, which is a silver halide developing agent and is, most preferably, substantially soluble in the reduced form only at the first pH, possessing subsequent to photoexposure or processing a spectral absorption range substantially complementary to the predominant sensitivity range of its associated emulsion. Specifically preferred dyes comprise dyes which exhibit major spectral absorption outside of the primary regions of the spectrum to which the associated silver halide emulsion is sensitive and a spectral transmission substantially complementary to that absorption, during exposure of the emulsion, and major spectral absorption within the spectral range to which the associated silver halide emulsion is sensitive and spectral transmission substantially complementary to said absorption, subsequent to exposure or processing of said emulsion, for example, of the type disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,307,947.

In one embodiment each of the emulsion strata, and its associated dye, may be spaced from the remaining emulsion strata, and their associated dye, by separate alkaline solution permeable polymeric interlayers and the dyeable polymeric layer next adjacent the polymeric acid layer may be separated from that layer by an alkaline solution permeable polymeric spacer layer, most preferably a polymeric spacer layer having decreasing permeability to alkaline solution with increasing temperature.

In such preferred embodiments of the invention, the silver halide emulsion comprises photosensitive silver halide dispersed in gelatin and is about 0.6 to 6 microns in thickness; the dye itself may be dispersed in an aqueous alkaline solution permeable polymeric binder, preferably gelatin, as a separate layer about 1 to 7 microns in thickness; the alkaline solution permeable polymeric interlayers, preferably gelatin, are about 1 to 5 microns in thickness; the alkaline solution permeable and dyeable polymeric layer is transparent and about 0.25 to 0.4 mil in thickness; the alkaline solution polymeric spacer layer is transparent and about 0.1 to 0.7 mil in thickness; the alkaline solution permeable polymeric acid layer is transparent and about 0.3 to 1.5 mils in thickness; and the dimensionally stable transparent layer is alkaline solution impermeable and about 2 to 6 mils in thickness. It will be specifically recognized that the relative dimensions recited above may be appropriately modified, in accordance with the desires of the operator, with respect to the specific product to be ultimately prepared and that either the dyeable polymeric layer or the silver halide emulsion and associated dye retaining layer unit may be specifically positioned next adjacent the stated spacer layer of the photosensitive laminate.

In view of the fact that the preferred dye image-providing materials comprise dyes which are silver halide developing agents, as stated above, the present invention will be further described hereinafter in terms of such dyes without limitation of the invention to the illustrative dyes.

In the preferred embodiment of the present inventions film unit for the production of a multicolor transfer image, the respective silver halide/dye developer units of the photosensitive element will be in the form of a tripack configuration which will ordinarily comprise a yellow dye developer/blue-sensitive emulsion unit, a cyan dye developer/red-sensitive emulsion unit and a magenta dye developer/green-sensitive emulsion unit intermediate those units, recognizing that the relative order of such units may be varied in accordance with the desires of the operator.

In those instances, where either or both the respective yellow and magenta dye developers, employed in a preferred tripack configuration which positions the yellow dye developer/blue-sensitive emulsion unit distal the dimensionally stable transparent layer and the cyan dye developer/red-sensitive emulsion unit proximal the transparent layer to provide the multicolor transfer image, comprise a dye developer which exhibits major spectral absorption outside of the primary region of the spectrum to which its associated silver halide emulsion is sensitive and a spectral transmission substantially complementary to that absorption, during exposure of the emulsion, then, in ordinary circumstances, it may be advantageous to incorporate filter agents adapted to insure the correct selective exposure of the respective emulsions less proximal the exposure surface of the laminate. Specifically, in the instance where the yellow dye developer exhibits major spectral absorption outside of the primary regions of the spectrum to which its associated silver halide emulsion is sensitive, that is, the blue region of the visible spectrum, during exposure of the emulsions, then a yellow filter agent may advantageously be incorporated intermediate the blue-sensitive emulsion and the remaining greenand redsensitive emulsions, in order to prevent undesired exposure of the latter emulsions by reason of their inherent sensitivity to actinic radiation within the blue range of the spectrum generally present. In the instance where the magenta dye developer employed exhibits major spectral absorption outside of the primary region of the spectrum to which its associated silver halide emulsion is sensitive, that is, the green region of the visible spectrum, during exposure of the emulsions, a magenta filter agent may be advantageously incorporated intermediate the greenand red-sensitive emulsions in instances wherein the redsensitive emulsion possesses sensitivity to actinic radiation within the green region of the spectrum.

Where desired, the yellow dye developer employed in such preferred embodiment also may be disposed in the processing composition retained within the container and distributed contiguous the exposure surface of the bluesensitive emulsion, subsequent to exposure of the photosensitive laminate, during processing of the exposed film unit, to provide the desired multicolor transfer image formation. In the latter embodiment, it may be desirable to incorporate a yellow filter agent intermediate the blueand green-sensitive emulsion units of the photosensitive laminate for the reasons stated above.

Employment of the detailed film unit of the present invention, according to the hereinafter described color diffusion transfer photographic process, is specifically adapted to provide for the production of a color transfer image accomplished by a diffusion transfer process which may include in-process adjustment of the environmental pH of the film unit, from a pH at which transfer processing is operative to a pH at which dye transfer is substantially inoperative, subsequent to substantial transfer image formation, in order to obviate the previously discussed disadvantages of the prior art products and processes. The color transfer image is thus obtained and maintained irrespective of the fact that the film unit comprises an integral laminate unit during exposure, processing and subsequent viewing, and storage of the unit. Accordingly, by means of the present invention, color transfer images and specifically multicolor images may be obtained, employing an integral laminate film unit, which exhibit desired maximum and minimum dye densities; yellow, magenta and cyan dye saturation; red, green and blue hues; and color separation, over an extended period of time, as compared with prior art disclosed film materials. These unexpected advantages are in addition to the manufacturing advantages obtained by reason of the present inventions integral color transfer film unit and which will be readily apparent from examination of the unit's parameters, that is, for example, advantages in more efficient utilization of fabricating materials and components, enhanced simplicity of film manufacture and camera design and construction, and more simplified and efl'ectively controlled customer utilization of the unit.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 through 7 of the drawings wherein there is illustrated a preferred film unit of the present invention and wherein like numbers, appearing in the various figures, refer to like components.

As illustrated in the drawings, PEG. 1 sets forth a perspective view of the film unit, designated .10, and each of FIGS. 2 through 7 illustrate diagrammatic cross-sectional views of film unit 10, along the stated section lines 2-2, 3-3, 55 and 7-7, during the various depicted stages in the performance of a photographic diffusion transfer process as detailed hereinafter.

Film unit '10 comprises rupturable container 11, retaining, prior to processing, aqueous alkaline solution 12, photosensitive laminate 13 including, in order, blue-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer '15 containing yellow dye developer; interlayer 16; green-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer 17 containing magenta dye developer; interlayer 18; red-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer 19 containing cyan dye developer; opaque layer 20; image-receiving layer 21; spacer layer 22; neutralizing layer 23'; and dimensionally stable transparent layer 24; and dimensionally stable opaque sheet25; both layer 24 and sheet 25 preferably comprising processing composition impermeable flexible sheet material.

The composite may be provided with a binding member extending around, for example, the specified edges of the laminate, as illustrated in the figures. The binding member may comprise a pressure-sensitive tape 26 securing laminate elements together at the composites specified edges. Tape 26 will also act to maintain processing composition 12 intermediate sheet 25 and photosensitive laminate 13 upon application of compressive pressure to container '11 and distribution of its contents intermediate the stated elements. Under such circumstances, binder tape 26 will act to prevent edge and end leakage of processing composition from the film unit during and subsequent to photographic processing.

Rupturable container 11 may be of the type shown and described in any of U.S. Pats. Nos. 2,543,181; 2,634,886; 2,653,732; 2,723,051; 3,056,491; 3,056,492; 3,152,515; and the like. In general, such containers will comprise a rectangular blank of fluidand air-impervious sheet mate rial folded longitudinally upon itself to form two walls 27 which are sealed to one another along their longitudinal and end margins to form a cavity in which processing solution 12 is retained. The longitudinal marginal seal 28' is made weaker than the end seals 29 so as to become unsealed in response to the hydraulic pressure generated within the fluid contents 12 of the container by the application of compressive pressure to walls 27 of the container.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, container 11 is fixedly positioned and extends transverse a leading edge of photosensitive laminate 13 whereby to effect unidirectional discharge of the containers contents 12 intermediate sheet 25 and surface 32 of blue-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer 15, upon application of compressive force to container 11. Thus, container 11, as illustrated in FIG. 2, is fixedly positioned and extends transverse a leading edge of laminate 13 with its longitudinal marginal seal 28 directed toward the leading edge of surface 32. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, container 11 is fixedly secured to laminate 13 by extension 30 of tape 26 extending over a portion of one wall 27 of the container, in combination with a separate retaining member such as illustrated retaining tape 31 extending over a portion of theother wall Sheet 25, as illustrated in the figures in the preferred embodiment, is fixedly received to tape 31 extending transverse a leading edge of film unit 10 and is adapted to be superposed, subsequent to photoexposure of laminate 13, on and coextensive with surface 32 of blue-sensitive emulsion layer 15, at least during processing, to facilitate distribution of processing composition 12 upon compressive rupture of container 11 and unidirectional discharge of its contents intermediate surface 32 and superposed sheet 25.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, extension flap 30 of tape 26 may be of such area and dimensions that upon, for example, manual separation of container 11 subsequent to distribution of the composition, from the re mainder of film unit 10, flap 30 may be folded over the edge of laminate 13, in order to facilitate maintenance of the composites structural integrity, for example, during the fiexations inevitable in storage and use of the processed film unit, and to provide a suitable mask or frame, for viewing of the transfer image through the picture view-' ing area of transparent layer 24. Preferably, however, the film unit will be maintained intact subsequent to processing including retention of the exhausted container, the processing composition andsheet element in the spacial position assumed during processing. In such instance, the processing composition employed should possess the requisite adhesive capacity, in both the fluid and dry states, to enhance the integrity and stability of the spacial arrangement assumed.

In general, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the processing composition 12 and/or sheet 25 when distributed will be sufliciently opaque to prevent further exposure of the film units silver halide emulsion or emulsions, by actinic radiation incident on sheet 25, during processing of the unit in the presence of radiation actinic to to the emulsion or emulsions. Accordingly, the film unit detailed may be processed, subsequent to exposure, in the presence of such radiation, in view of the fact that the silver halide emulsion or emulsions of laminate may be appropriately protected from incident radiation, at one major surface by the opaque layer or layers 20 and at the remaining major surface by an opaque processing composition 12 and/or opaque sheet 25 as further described hereinafter. If the illustrated binder tapes are also opaque, as stated above, edge leakage of actinic radiation incident on the emulsion or emulsions will also be prevented. The selected opaque layer or layers 20, however, should be one providing a background suitable for viewing the dye developer transfer image formed in the dyeable polymeric layer. In general, while substantially any permeable opaque layer may be employed, it is preferred that a layer be selected that will not interfere with the color integrity of the dye transfer image, as viewed by the observer, and, most preferably, a layer which is aesthetically pleasing to the viewer and does not provide a background noise signal degrading, or detracting from, the information content of the image. Particularly desirable opaque layers will be those providing a white background, for viewing the transfer image, and specifically those adapted to be employed to provide background for reflection photographic prints and, especially, those layers possessing the optical properties desired for reflectance of incident radiation.

The opaque layer may comprise substantially any opacifying agent compatible with the photographic system, such as, for example, barium sulfate, zinc oxide, titanium, dioxide, barium stearate, silver flake, silicates, alumina, zirconium oxide, zirconium acetyl acetate, sodium zirconium sulfate, kaolin, mica and the like, which may be distributed in a permeable polymeric matrix or binder, such as, for example, gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol, and the like.

A particularly preferred opaque layer comprises titanium dioxide due to its highly effective reflection proper ties. In general, a coating composition, for example, hydroxyethylcellulose, containing sufficient titanium dioxide to provide a percent reflectance of about 85 to 99%, re-| spectively, will be employed. In the most preferred em bodiments, the percent reflectance desired thus will be the order of about 85%.

Where it is desired to increase the opacifying capacity of a layer containing, for example, titanium dioxide, beyond that ordinarily obtained, an additional opacifying agent such as carbon black, for example, in a concentration of about 1 part carbon black to 100 to- 500 parts titanium dioxide may be provided to the layer. Preferably, however, such additional opacifying capacity will be pro vided by constituting the opacifying layer as a plurality of more or less discrete layers, the layer next adjacent the transparent support comprising a reflection layer and the succeeding layer or layers comprising one or more opacifying agents possessing greater opacifying capacity than that ordinarily obtained from the reflecting agent or agents employed.

The opacifying agent dispersed in processing composition 12 may be any of the multiplicity of such agents, known in the art such as carbon black, iron oxide, titani um (III) oxide, titanium (III) hydroxide, and the like. In preferance, the agent or agents should be selected which possess the maximum opacifying capacity per unit weight, is photographically nondeleterious and is substantially nondiffusible throughout the film unit subsequent todistribution. A particularly preferred agent has been found to comprise carbon black employed in a concentration effective to provide the opacity required to prevent undesired physical fogging of the emulsion formulations selected and employed by radiation transmitted through the spread processing composition.

In the performance of a diffusion transfer multi-color process employing film unit 10, the unit is exposed to radiation, actinic to photosensitive laminate 13, incident grliGthg laminates exposure surface 34, as illustrated in Subsequent to exposure, as illustrated by FIGS. 2 and 4, film unit is is processed by being passed through opposed suitably gapped rolls 33 in order to effect superpositioning of sheet 25 contiguous surface 34 of laminate 13 and to apply compressive pressure to frangible container 11 to effect rupture of longitudinal seal 28 and distribution of processing composition 12, containing preferably an opacifying agent and having a pH at which the cyan, magenta and yellow dye developers are soluble and diffusible, intermediate opaque sheet 25 and blue-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer 15.

Processing composition 12 permeates emulsion layers 15, 17 and 19 to initiate development of the latent images contained in the respective emulsions. The cyan, magenta and yellow dye developers, of layers 15, 17 and 19, are immobilized, as a function of the development of their respective associated silver halide emulsions, preferably substantially as a result of their conversion from the reduced form to their relatively insoluble and nondiffusible oxidized form, thereby providing imagewise distributions of mobile, soluble and diffusible cyan, magenta and yellow dye developer, as a function of the point-to-point degree of their associated emulsions exposure. At least part of the imagewise distributions of mobile cyan, magenta and yellow dye developer transfer, by diffusion, to processing composition permeable polymeric layer 21 to provide a multicolor dye transfer image to that layer. Subsequent to substantial transfer image formation, a sufficient portion of the ions comprising aqueous composition 12 transfer, by diffusion, through permeable polymeric layer 21, permeable spacer layer 22 and to polymeric acid layer 23 whereby solution 12 decreases in pH, as a function of neutralization, to a pH at which the cyan, magenta and yellow dye developers, in the reduced form, are substantially nondiffusible, to provide thereby a stable multicolor dye transfer image viewable through dimensionally stable transparent layer 24.

Subsequent to distribution of processing solution 12, container 11, optionally, may be manually dissociated from the remainder of the film unit, as described above.

As previously stated, the multicolor dye transfer image may be viewable through dimensionally stable transparent layer 24 both during and subsequent to transfer image formation, in the preferred embodiment detailed above. In addition, a multicolor dye image, negative with respect to the transfer image, may be viewed subsequent to processing through surface 34 of the laminate, as set forth hereinafter.

Sheet 25, as illustrated in the figures, may be fixedly positioned extending transverse a leading edge of the laminate and adapted to be superposed on the surface of the laminate prior to, or contemporaneous with, distribution of the processing composition. In such instance, the dimensionally stable sheet may comprise a lflexible sheet material, preferably opaque to incident actinic radiation, displaced from contact with the exposure surface of the laminate during photoexposure and brought into superposed relationship with such surface subsequent to exposure contemporaneous with, or preceding, distribution of processing composition intermediate such sheet and the photoexposed laminate. In the preferred latter embodiment, the processing composition need not, but may preferably, retain opacifying agent or agents for the purpose of further insuring protection of the laminate from incident radiation during processing. Subsequent to processing of the integral film unit, the superposed dimensionally stable sheet may be stripped from the remainder of the film unit alone of in accompaniment with the processing composition, where desired or required by reason of opacity to reveal the multicolor dye image, negative with respect to the transfer image.

In those instances wherein sheet 25 is a transparent sheet element and processing composition 12 is transparent subsequent to processing, or if opaque and are dissociated from the surface of the laminate opposite transparent support layer 24, spacer layer 22 carried on neutralizing layer 23 which is, in turn, carried on dimensionally stable transparent layer 24 may itself retain remaining layers 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21, in reverse order from that illustrated in the drawing and, in that instance, spacer layer 22 will carry, in order, blue-sensitive sliver halide emulsion layer 15 containing yellow dye developer; interlayer 16; green-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer 17 containing magenta dye developer; interlayer 18; redsensitive silver halide emulsion layer 19 containing cyan dye developer; opaque layer 20; and image-receiving layer 21, and sheet element 25 is adapted to be superposed substantially coextensive the surface of the photosensitive laminate opposite dimensionally stable transparent layer 24 subsequent to photoexposure of the laminate. In such embodiment, photoexposure will be accomplished by contact of the photosensitive laminates emulsion layers 15, 17 and 19 with actinic radiation incident on dimensionally stable layer 24 and processing may be effected, as detailed hereinbefore, accomplished by distribution of processing composition intermediate sheet 25 and image-receiving layer 21. In such embodiment, the film unit may be maintained intact subsequent to processing and the multicolor positive dye transfer image carried by image-receiving layer 21 may be viewed through sheet 25 and the processing composition residuum when transparent. It will also be recognized, however, that embodiments may be employed wherein sheet 25 and/or the processing composition may be opaque to incident actinic radiation and which require removal of such opaque structure, subsequent to processing, in order to allow visual observation of the multicolor positive dye transfer image carried by imagereceiving layer 21. Removal of sheet 25 may be manually effected alone or together with processing composition 15 residuum where desired by selective adhesion of the processing composition to the displaced sheet element.

The present invention will be further illustrated and detailed in conjunction with the following illustrative constructions which set out representative embodiments and photographic utilization of the novel photographic film units of this invention, which, however, are not limited to the details herein set forth and are intended to be illustrative.

Film units similar to that set forth in the drawings may be prepared, for example, by coating, in succession, on a transparent cellulose triacetate film base:

(1) the partial butyl ester of polyethylene/maleic anhydride copolymer prepared by refluxing for 14 hours, about 300 grams of high viscosity poly-(ethylene/maleic anhydride), about 140 grams of n-butyl alcohol and about 1 cc. of 85% phosphoric acid to provide a polymeric acid layer approximately 0.75 mil thick;

(2) a solution of hydroxy propyl cellulose in water to provide a polymeric spacer layer approximately 0.075 mil thick;

(3) a 2:1 mixture, by weight of polyvinyl alcohol and poly-4-vinylpyridine, at a coverage of approximately 600 mgs./ft. to provide a polymeric image-receiving layer approximately 0.40 mil thick;

(4) a layer of titanium dioxide dispersed in hydroxyethyl cellulose and coated at a coverage of about 1200 mgs./ft. of titanium dioxide and about 30 mgs./ft. of hydroxyethyl cellulose;

(5) a layer of gelatin coated at a coverage of about 200 mgs./ft.

(6) a layer of the acrylic latex sold. by Rohm and Haas Co., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under the trade designation Rhoplex AC-6l coated at a coverage of about 110 mgs./ft.

(7) a. layer of carbon black dispersed in cellulose at a coverage of about 150 mgs./ft. carbon black and about 3.0 mgs./ft. hydroxyethyl cellulose;

(8) a layer of the cyan dye developer -l,4-bis-(fi- [hydroquinonyl a methyl] ethyl amino) 5,8- dihydroxy-anthraquinone and carbon black dispersed in gelatin and coated at a coverage of about 50 mgs./ft. of dye, about 180 mgs/ft. of carbon black and about 63 mgs./ft. of gelatin;

(9) a red-sensitive gelatino silver iodobromide emulsion coated at a coverage of about 120 mgs./ft. of silver and about 22 mgs./ft. of gelatin;

(10) a layer of Rhoplex AC-61 coated at a coverage of about 80 mgs./ft.

(11) a layer of the magenta dye developer 4-isopropoxy 2 [p S hydroquinonyl ethyl) phenylazo]- naphthalene-l-ethoxy acetate dispersed in a green-sensitive gelatino silver iodobromide emulsion coated at a coverage of about 80 mgs./ft. of dye, about 110 mgs./ft. of silver and about 150 mgs./ft. of gelatin;

(12) a layer of the last-mentioned magenta dye developer dispersed in gelatin at a coverage of about 20 mgs./ft. of dye and about 30 mgs./ft. of gelatin;

13) a layer of Rhoplex AC-61 coated at a coverage of about 110 mgs./ft.

(14) a layer of the yellow dye developer 4-(p-[B- hydroquinonyl ethyl] phenylazo) 3 N n hexylcarboxamido) 1 phenyl 5 pyrazolone dispersed in gelatin and coated at a coverage of about 140 mgs./ft. of dye and about 175 mgs./ft. of gelatin;

(15) a blue-sensitive gelatino silver iodobromide emulsion coated at a coverage of about 150 mgs./ft. of silver and about 28 mgs./ft. of gelatin; and

(16) a layer containing 4'-methylphenyl hydroquinone dispersed in gelatin at acoverage of about 20 Inga/ft? of 4'-methylphenyl hydroquinone and about mgs./ft. of gelatin.

A rupturable. container comprising an outer layer of paper, an intermediate layer of lead foil and an inner 16 liner or layer of polyvinylchloride retaining an aqueous alkaline processing solution comprising:

Watercc.

Potassium hydroxide-11.2 gms.

Hydroxyethyl cellulose (high viscosity) [commercially available from Hercules Powder Co., Wilmington, Del., under the trade name Natrasol 250]3.4 gms.

N-benzyl-u-picolinium bromide-1.5 gms.

Benzotriazole1.0 gm.

Carbon black-6.4 gms.

and an opaque cellulose triacetate sheet may then be fixedly mounted on the leading edge, of each of the laminates, by pressure-sensitive tapes interconnecting the respective sheets, containers and laminates, such that upon application of compressive pressure to the container and superpositioning of the sheet, the containers contents will be distributed, upon rupture of the containers marginal seal, intermediate the cellulose triacetate sheet and the 4'-methylphcny1 hydroquinone containing layer.

The photosensitive laminates may be exposed through step wedges to selectively filtered radiation incident on the surface of the laminate opposite the cellulose triacetate film base and processed by passage of the exposed film unit through suitably gapped opposed rolls, to effect superpositioning of the opaque cellulose triacetate sheet coextensive the exposure surface of the laminate, rupture of the container and distribution of the containers contents between the 4'-methylphenyl hydroquinone layer and the sheet element. During processing, a multicolor dye transfer image formation may be viewed through the cellulose triacetate film base and such image formation is found to be substantially completed and exhibiting the required color brilliance, hues, saturation and isolation within a period of about 1 to 3 minutes.

The pH of the alkaline processing solution initially employed must be a pH at which the dye developers employed are diffusible. Although it has been found that the specific pH to be employed may be readily determined empirically for any dye developer, or group of dye developers, most particularly desirable dye developers are soluble at pHs about 9 and relatively insoluble at pHs below 9, in reduced form, and the system can be readily balanced accordingly for such dye developers. In addition, although as previously noted, the processing composition, in the preferred embodiment, will include the stated fil-mforming viscosity-increasing agent or agents, to facilitate spreading of the composition and to providemaintenance of the spread composition as a structurally stable layer of the laminate, subsequent to distribution, it is not necessary that such agent be employed as a component of the composition. In the latter instance, however, it will be preferred that the concentration of solvent, that is, water, etc., comprising the composition be the minimum amount necessary to conduct the desired transfer process, in order not to adversely effect the structural integrity of the laminate and that the layers forming the laminate can readily accommodate and dissipate the solvent throughout during processing and drying without effecting undesirable dimensional changes in the layers forming the laminate.

It will be noted that the liquid processing composition employed may contain an auxiliary or accelerating developing agent, such as p-methylaminophenol, 2,4-diaminophenol, p-benzylaminophenol, hydroquinone, toluhydroquinone, phenylhydroquinone, 4'-methylphenyl-hydroquinone, etc. It is also contemplated to employ a plurality of auxiliary or accelerating developing agents, such as a 3-pyrazolidone developing agent and a benzenoid developing agent, as disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,039,869, issued June 19, 1962. As exemples of suitable combinations of auxiliary developing agents, mention may be made of 1-phenyl-3-pyrazolidone in combination with p-benzylaminophenol and l-phenyl-3-pyrazolidone in combination with 2,5 bis-ethylenimino-hydroquinone. Such auxiliary developing agents may be employed in the liquid processing composition or they may be initially incorporated, at least in part, in any one or more of the silver halide emulsion strata, the strata containing the dye developers, the interlayers, the overcoat layer, the image-receiving layer, or in any other auxiliary layer, or layers, of the film unit. It may be noted that at least a portion of the dye developer oxidized during development may be oxidized and immobilized as a result of a reaction, e.g., an energy-transfer reaction, with the oxidation product of an oxidized auxiliary developing agent, the latter developing agent being oxidized by the development of exposed silver halide. Such a reaction of oxidized developing agent with unoxidized dye developer would regenerate the auxiliary developing agent for further reaction with the exposed silver halide.

In addition, development may be elfected in the presence of an onium compound, particularly a quaternary ammonium compound, in accordance with the processes disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,173,786, issued March 16, 1965.

It will be apparent that the relative proportions of the agents of the diffusion transfer processing composition may be altered to suit the requirements of the operator. Thus, it is within the scope of this invention to modify the herein described developing compositions by the substitution of preservatives, akalies, etc., other than those specifically mentioned, provided that the pH of the composition is initially at the first pH required. When desirable, it is also contemplated to include, in the developing composition, components such as restrainers, accelerators, etc. Similarly, the concentration of various components may be varied over a wide range and when desirable adaptable components may be disposed in the photosensitive element, prior to exposure, in a separate permeable layer of the photosensitive element and/or in the photosensitive emulsion.

The dimensionally stable layers and sheet referred to may comprise any of various types of conventional opaque and transparent rigid or flexible materials, for example, glass, paper, metal, and polymeric films of both synthetic types and those derived from naturally occurring products. Suitable materials include alkaline solution impermeable materials such as paper; polymethacrylic acid, methyl and ethyl esters; vinyl chloride polymers, polyvinyl acetal; polyamides such as nylon; polyesters such as polymeric films derived from ethylene glycol terephthalic acid; and cellulose derivatives such as cellulose acetate, triacetate, nitrate, propionate, butyrate, acetate-propionate or acetatebutyrate. It will be recognized that one or more of the designated layers may not be required where the remaining layers of the laminate are such as to provide the functions of these layers in the absence of same, for example, where the remaining layers of the laminate provide the requisite dimensional stability and radiation filtering properties.

In all examples of this specification, percentages of components are given by weight unless otherwise indicated.

An extensive compilation of specific dye developers particularly adapted for employment in photographic diffusion transfer processes is set forth in aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 2,983,606 and in the various copending U.S. applications referred to in that patent, especially in the table of U.S. applications incorporated by reference into the patent as detailed in column 27. As examples of additional U.S. patents detailing the specific dye developers for photographic transfer process use, mention may also be made of U.S. Pats. Nos. 2,983,605; 2,992,- 106; 3,047,386; 3,076,808; 3,076,820; 3,077,402; 3,126,- 280; 3,131,061; 3,134,762; 3,134,765; 3,135,604; 3,135,- 605; 3,135,606; 3,135,734; 3,141,772; 3,142,565; and the like.

As additional examples of synthetic, film-forming, permerable polymers particularly adapted to retain dispersed dye developer, mention may be made of nitrocarboxymethyl cellulose, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,992,104; an acylamidobenzene sulfo ester of a partial sulfobenzal of polyvinyl alcohol, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,043,- 692; polymers of N-a1kyl-u,;3-unsaturated carboxamides and copolymers of N-alkyl 0:,5 carboxamides with N- hydroxyalkyl otfi unsaturated carboxamides, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,069,263; copolymers of vinyl phthalimide and il-unsaturated carboxylic acids, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,061,428; copolymers of N- vinylpyrrolidones and a,fl-unsaturated carboxylic acids and terepolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidones, 8 unsaturated carboxylic acids and alkyl esters of cap-unsaturated carboxylic acids, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,044,873; copolymers of N,N-dialky1 0:,13 unsaturated carboxamides with a,;8-unsaturated carboxylic acids, the corresponding amides of such acids, and copolymers of N- aryland N-cycloalkyl 11,18 unsaturated carboxamides with c e-unsaturated carboxylic acids, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,069,264; and the like.

In addition to conventional techniques for the direct dispersion of a particulate solid mate-rial in a polymeric or colloidal, matrix such as ball-milling and the like techniques, the preparation of the dye developer dispersion may also be obtained by dissolving the dye in an appropriate solvent, or mixture of solvents, and the resultant solution distributed in the polymeric binder, with optional subsequent removal of the solvent, or solvents, employed, as, for example, by vaporization where the selected solvent, or solvents, possesses a sufficiently low boiling point or washing where the selected solvent, or solvents, possesses a sufiiciently high differential solubility in the wash medium, for example, water, when measured against the solubility of the remaining composition components, and/or obtained by dissolving both the polymeric binder and dye in a common solvent.

'For further detailed treatment of solvent distribution systems of the types referred to above, and for an extensive compilation of the conventional solvents traditionally employed in the art to elfect distribution of photographic color-providing materials in polymeric binders, specifically for the formation of component layers of photographic film units, reference may be made to U.S. Pats. Nos. 2,269,158; 2,322,027; 2,304,939; 2,304,940; 2,801,171; and the like.

Although the invention has been discussed in detail throughout employing dye developers, the preferred image-providing materials, it will be readily recognized that other, less preferred, image-providing materials may be substituted in replacement of the preferred dye developers in the practice of the invention. For example, there may be employed dye image-forming materials such as those disclosed in U.S. Pats. Nos. 2,647,049; 2,661,- 293; 2,698,244; 2,698,798; 2,802,735; 3,148,062; 3,227,- 550; 3,227,551; 3,227,552; 3,227,554; 3,243,294; 3,330,- 655; 3,347,671; 3,352,672; 3,364,022; 3,443,939; 3,443,- 940; 3,443,941; 3,443,943; etc., wherein color diffusion transfer processes are described which employ color coupling techniques comprising, at least in part, reacting one or more color developing agents and one or more color or dye formers or couplers to provide a dye transfer image to a superposed image-receiving layer and those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,774,668 and 3,087,817, wherein color diffusion transfer processes are described which employ the imagewise differential transfer of complete dyes by the mechanisms therein described to provide a transfer dye image to a contiguous image-receiving layer, and thus including the employment of image-providing materials which, as disposed in the film unit, are initially difiusible or nondilfusible in the processing composition selected and are capable of providing an imagewise distribution of processing composition dilfusible dye image-forming material as a direct or indirect function of exposure.

For the production of the photosensitive gelatino silver halide emulsions employed to provide the film unit, the silver halide crystals may be prepared by reacting a water-soluble silver salt, such as silver nitrate, with at least one water-soluble halide, such as ammonium, potassium or sodium bromide, preferably together with a corresponding iodide, in an aqueous solution of a peptizing agent such as a colloidal gelatin solution; digesting the dispersion at an elevated temperature, to provide increased crystal growth; washing the resultant watersoluble salts by chilling the dispersion, noodling the set dispersion, and washing the noodles with cold water, or alternatively, employing any of the various flocc systems, or procedures, adapted to effect removal of undesired components, for example, the procedures described in U.S. Pats. Nos. 2,614,928; 2,614,929; 2,728,662; and the like; after-ripening the dispersion at an elevated temperature in combination with the addition of gelatin and various adjuncts, for example, chemical sensitizing agents of U.S. Pats. Nos. 1,574,944; 1,623,499; 2,410,689; 2,597,856; 2,597,915; 2,487,850; 2,518,698; 2,521,926; and the like; all according to the traditional procedures of the art, as described in Neblette, C. B., Photography Its Materials and Processes, 6th ed., .1962.

Optical sensitization of the emulsions silver halide crystals may be accomplished by contact of the emulsion composition with an effective concentration of the selected optical sensitizing dyes dissolved in an appropriate dispersing solvent such as methanol, ethanol, acetone, water, and the like; all according to the traditional procedures of the art, as described in Hammer, F. M., The Cyanine Dyes and Related Compounds.

Additional optional additives, such as coating aids, hardeners, viscosity-increasing agents, stabilizers, preservatives, and the like, for example, those set forth hereinafter, also may be incorporated in the emulsion formulation, according to the conventional procedures known in the photographic emulsion manufacturing art.

The photoresponsive material of the photographic emulsion will, as previously described, preferably comprise a crystal of silver, for example, one or more of the silver halides such as silver chloride, silver iodide, silver bromide or mixed silver halides such as sil-ver chlorobromide, silver chloroiodobromide or silver iodobromide, of varying halide ratios and varying silver concentrations.

As the binder for the respective emulsion strata, the aforementioned gelatin may be, in whole or in part, replaced with some other colloidal material such as albumin; casein; or zein; or resins such as a cellulose derivative, as described in U.S. Pats. Nos. 2,322,085 and 2,327,- 808; polyacrylamides, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,541,- 474; and vinyl polymers such as described in an extensive multiplicity of readily available U.S. and foreign patents.

Although the preceding description of the invention has been couched in terms of the preferred photosensitive component construction wherein at least two selectively sensitized photosensitive strata are in contiguous coplanar relationship and, specifically, in terms of the preferred tripack type structure comprising a red-sensitive silver halide emulsion stratum, a green-sensitive silver halide emulsion stratum and a blue-sensitive silver halide emulsion stratum having associated therewith, respectively, a cyan dye developer, a magenta dye developer and a yellow dye developer, the photosensitive component of the film unit may comprise at least two sets of selectively sensitized minute photosensitive elements arranged in the form of a photosensitive screen wherein each of the minute photosensitive elements has associated therewith, for example, an appropriate dye image-forming material in or behind its respective silver halide emulsion portion. In general, a suitable photosensitive screen may comprise minute red-sensitized emulsion elements, minute greensensitizcd emulsion elements and minute blue-sensitized emulsion elements arranged in side-by-side relationship in a screen pattern and having associated therewith, respectively, for example, a cyan, a magenta and a yellow dye developer.

The present invention also includes the employment of a black dye image-providing material and the use of a mixture of, for example, dye developers adapted to provide a black-and-white transfer image, for example, the employment of dye developers of the three subtractive colors in an appropriate mixture in which the quantities of the dye developers are proportioned such that the colors combine to provide black.

Where in the specification, the expression positive image has been used, this expression should not be interpreted in a restrictive sense since it is used primarily for purposes of illustration, in that it defines the image pro duced on the image-carrying layer as being reversed, in the positive-negative sense, with respect to the image in the photosensitive emulsion layers. As an example of an alternative meaning for positive image, assume that the photosensitive element is exposed to actinic light through a negative transparency. In this case, the latent image in the photosensitive emulsion layers will be a positive and the dye image produced on the image-carrying layer will be a negative. The expression positive image is intended to cover such as image produced on the image-carrying ayer.

In addition to the described essential layers, it will be recognized that the film unit may also contain one or more subcoats or layers, which, in turn, may contain one or more additives such as plasticizers, intermediate essential layers for the purpose, for example, of improving adhesion, and that any one or more of the described layers may comprise a composite of two or more strata of the same, or different, components and which may be contiguous, or separated from, each other, for example, two or more neutralizing layers or the like.

In addition, the polymeric neutralizing layer disclosed to be optionally disposed, in a preferred embodiment, intermediate the dimensionally stable transparent support and next adjacent essential layer may, where desired, be disposed carried by the transparent sheet element on the surface of that element next adjacent the photosensitive laminate and adapted to efiect the stated in situ process modulation of the environmental pH, subsequent to substantial dye transfer image formation. In such structure, the pH modulating acidic component may be appropriately insulated to a substantial extent from deleterious interaction with the remainder of the photographic systern during storage, exposure and initial processing of the film unit by means of, for example, a polymeric diifusion control barrier or spacer timing layer of the general type and design discussed above and may be employed alone or in combination with the polymeric neutralizing layer discussed hereinbefore. The in situ process modulation referred to may also optimally be in whole or in part accomplished by the employment of particulate acidic material distributed within the film unit and selectively available to effect the desired pH reduction in accordance with techniques disclosed in the copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 846,442 of Edwin H. Land, filed July 31, 1969, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,576,625, and incorporated by reference herein.

Since certain changes may be made in the above product and process without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. A composite Photographic difiusion transfer color process film unit which comprises, in combination:

a photosensitive laminate containing, as essential layers,

a dimensionally stable transparent support carrying,

21 on one surface, a layer adapted to receive a diffusion transfer process dye image-forming material diffusing thereto, an opaque layer, and a photosensitive silver halide layer having associated therewith a diffusion transfer process dye image-forming material;

a dimensionally stable sheet adapted to be superposed on the surface of the laminate opposite the dimensionally stable transparent support;

a container retaining a processing composition possessing a first processing pH and adapted to discharge its contents intermediate and in contact with the laminate and the sheet in superposed relationship therewith; and

means for converting the film unit, subsequent to substanial dye transfer image formation in the layer adapted to receive dye image-forming material diffusing thereto, from the first processing pH to a second pH at which the dye transfer image exhibits increased stability.

2. A photographic film unit as defined in claim 1 wherein said processing composition contains opacifying agent.

3. A photographic film unit as defined in claim 1 wherein said first processing pH is an alkaline pH and said second pH is in excess of one pH until less than said first pH.

4. A photographic film unit as defined in claim 3 wherein said dye image-forming material is a dye which is a silver halide developing agent.

5. A photographic film unit as defined in claim 1 wherein said opaque layer is actinic radiation reflective.

6. A photographic film unit as defined in claim 5 wherein said opaque layer comprises titanium dioxide dispersed in a processing composition permeable polymeric binder.

7. A photographic film unit as defined in claim 1 wherein said dimensionally stable sheet is opaque.

8. A photographic film unit as defined in claim 1 which is adapted to be processed by passing said unit between a pair of juxtaposed pressure-applying members and which includes, in combination:

a photosensitive laminate containing, as essential layers, at least two selectively sensitized silver halide layers each having associated therewith a diffusion transfer process dye image-forming material which is alkaline processing composition diifusible at a first processing pH as a function of the photoexposure and development of its associated silver halide layer, a layer adapted to receive dye image-forming material diffusing thereto, a permeable opaque layer positioned intermediate said dyeable polymeric layer and the silver halide emulsion layer next adjacent thereto, and a dimensionally stable transparent layer;

a dimensionally stable sheet adapted to be superposed during processing on the surface of the laminate opposite said dimensionally stable transparent layer;

a rupturable container retaining an aqueous alkaline processing solution having said first pH positioned extending transverse an edge of said laminate to effect unidirectional discharge of the containers contents contiguous the surface of the laminate distal said transparent layer and intermediate said laminate and said sheet in superposed relationship therewith; and

a polymeric layer disposed in said film intermediate said sheet and said transparent layer containing suflicient acidic material to effect conversion of said film unit, subsequent to substantial dye transfer image formation by diffusion transfer processing in said layer adapted to receive dye image-forming material diffusing thereto, from said first processing pH to a second pH at which said dye transfer image exhibits substantially increased stability.

9. A photographic film unit as defined in claim 8 wherein said silver halide layers possess predominant spectral sensitivity to separate regions of the spectrum and subsequent to photoexposure of the laminate the diffusion transfer process dye image-forming material associated with 22 each of the silver halide layers is adapted to provide an image dye possessing a spectral absorption range sub stantially complementary to the predominant sensitivity range of its associated silver halide layer.

10. A photographic film unit as defined in claim 9 which is adapted to be processed by passing said unit between a part of juxtaposed pressure-applying members and which comprises, in combination:

a photosensitive laminate containing, in sequence, a

blue-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer having associated therewith a diffusion transfer process yellow dye image-forming material; a green-sensitive Silver halide emulsion layer having associated therewith a diffusion transfer process magenta dye image-forming material; a red-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer having associated therewith a diffusion transfer process cyan dye image-forming material; each of said cyan, magenta and yellow dye image-forming materials being diffusible, :at a first processing pH, as a function of the development of its associated silver halide emulsion layer; a permeable opaque layer; a layer dyeable by said dye image-forming materials; and a dimensionally stable transparent support;

a dimensionally stable opaque sheet having an edge fixedly positioned extending transverse a leading edge of the film unit and adapted to be superposed during processing substantially coextensive the surface of the laminate opposite said transparent support;

a rupturable container retaining an aqueous alkaline processing solution having said first pH positioned and extending transverse said edge of said film unit to effect unidirectional discharge of the containers contents contiguous the surface of said laminate opposite said transparent support and intermediate and opaque sheet and said laminate in superposed relationship upon application of compressive force to said container; and

a polymeric acid layer disposed in said film unit intermediate said opaque sheet and said transparent support containing acidic material effective to convert, subsequent to substantial dye transfer image formation by diffusion transfer processing in said layer dyeable by a dye image-forming material diffusing thereto, said film unit from said first processing pH to a second pH at which said dye imageforming materials are substantially nondiffusible.

11. A photographic film unit as defined in claim 10 wherein said opaque layer comprises at least two substantially separate strata wherein the stratum next adjacent the transparent support is actinic radiation reflective and the remaining strata are actinic radiation absorptive.

12. A process of forming transfer images in color which comprises, in combination, the steps of:

(a) exposing a photographic diffusion transfer color process film unit which includes, in combination:

a photosensitive laminate containing, as essential layers, a dimensionally stable transparent support carrying on one surface a layer adapted to receive a diffusion transfer process dye imageforming material diffusing thereto, an opaque layer permeable to diffusion transfer process dye image-forming material during processing of the film unit, and a photosensitive silver halide layer having associated therewith a diffusion transfer process dye image-forming material;

a dimensionally stable sheet adapted to be superposed on the surface of the laminate opposite the dimensionally stable transparent support;

a rupturable container retaining a processing composition possessing a first processing pH positioned to effect discharge of the containers contents intermediate the dimensionally stable sheet and the photosensitive laminate; and

23 means for converting the film unit, subsequent to substantial dye transfer image formation in the layer adapted to receive dye image-forming material diffusing thereto, from the first processing pH to a second pH at which the dye transfer image exhibits increased stability;

(b) superposing said dimensionally stable sheet on the surface of the laminate opposite said dimensionally stable transparent support;

(c) discharging said processing composition possessing the first processing pH from said container contiguous the surface of the laminate opposite said dimensionally stable transparent support and intermediate the superposed dimensionally stable sheet and the laminate;

(d) contacting thereby said exposed photosensitive silver halide layer with said processing composition;

(e) effecting thereby development of said photoexposed silver halide layer;

(f) forming thereby an imagewise distribution of mobile diffusion transfer process dye image-forming material, as a function of the point-to-point degree of said silver halide layers exposure to incident actinic radiation;

(g) transferring, by diffusion, at lease a portion of said imagewise distribution of mobile diffusion transfer process dye image-forming material to said layer adapted to receive said dye image-forming material to provide a dye image thereto in terms of said imagewise distribution;

(h) converting the pH of the film unit, subsequent to substantial dye image formation, from the first processing pH provided by the processing composition to the second pH at which the dye image exhibits increased stability; and

(i) maintaining the laminate formedsduring processing intact subsequent to said processing.

13. A process of forming transfer images in color as defined in claim 12 which comprises, in combination, the steps of:

(a) exposing a photographic diffusion transfer color process film unit which is adapted to be processed by passing the unitbetween a pair of juxtaposed pressureapplying members and which includes, in combination:

a photosensitive laminate containing, as essential layers, a photosensitive silver halide layer having associated therewith diffusion transfer process dye image-forming material which is dilfusible as a function of the point-to-point degree of flie silver halide layers exposure to incident actinic radiation at a first alkaline processing pH, a polymeric layer dyeable by the dye image-providing material, an opaque layer positioned intermediate said dyeable polymeric layer and said photosensitive silver halide layer and a dimensionally stable transparent layer;

a dimensionally stable sheet adapted to be superposed substantially coextensive the surface of the laminate opposite the dimensionally stable transparent layer;

a rupturable container retaining an aqueous alkaline-processing solution having said first pH positioned extending transverse said leading edge of said film unit to effect unidirectional discharge of p the containers contents intermediate said dimensionally stable sheet and said laminate upon application of compressive force to said container; and

a polymeric layer, positioned intermediate the dimensionally stable sheet and the dimensionally stable transparent support, containing sufficient acid capacity to effect reduction of the processing solution having the first pH to a second pH at which the diifusion transfer process dye imageforming material is substantially nondilfusible 24 and a dye image carried by the polymeric layer dyeable by the dye image-providing material exhibits increased stability;

(b) applying compressive force to said rupturable container to effect unidirectional discharge of the containers aqueous alkaline processing solution substantially coextensive the surface of said laminate intermediate said laminate and said dimensionally stable sheet;

(0) effecting thereby development of said silver halide emulsion;

(d) forming thereby an imagewise distribution of mobile dye image-forming material, as a function of the point-to-point degree of emulsion exposure;

(e) transferring, by diffusion, at least a portion of said imagewise distribution of mobile dye image-forming material to said polymeric layer dyeable by said dye image-forming material to provide a dye image thereto in terms of said imagewise distribution;

(f) transferring, by diffusion, subsequent to substantial dye image formation, a sufficient portion of the ions of said alkaline solution to said acidic polymer layer to thereby reduce said first pH of said aqueous alkaline solution to said second pH; and

(g) maintaining the laminate intact subsequent to said processing.

14. A process as defined in claim 12 including the step of separating said container from said film unit subsequent to substantial transfer image formation.

15. A process as defined in claim 12 wherein said opaque layer is actinic radiation reflective.

16. A process as defined in claim 12 wherein said dimensionally stable sheet is opaque.

17. A process as defined in claim 12 wherein said processing composition contains an opacifying agent.

18. A process as defined in claim 12 wherein said dye image-forming material is a dye which is a silver halide developing agent.

19. A process of forming transfer images in color as defined in claim 12 which comprises, in combination, the steps of:

(a) exposing a photographic diffusion transfer color process film unit which is adpated to be processed by passing said unit between a pair of pressure-applying members and which includes in combination:

a photosensitive laminate containing at least two selectively sensitized silver halide emulsion strata, each of said silver halide emulsions having associated therewith a diffusion transfer process dye image-forming material adapted to provide an image dye of predetermined color dilfusible, in alkaline processing solution, at a first pI-I, a polymeric layer dyeable by said dye, a dye permeable opaque layer positioned intermediate said dyeable polymeric layer and the silver halide emulsion layer next adjacent thereto, and a dimensionally stable transparent layer;'

a dimensionally stable sheet possessing an edge positioned extending transverse a leading edge of the film unit and adapted to be superposed substantially coextensive the surface of the laminate opposite said dimensionally stable transparent layer upon passage of said film unit through said pair of juxtaposed pressure-applying members;

a polymeric layer containing sufiicient acidic material to effect reduction of a processing solution having said first pH to a second pH at which said dyes are substantially nonditfusible positioned intermediate said dimensionally stable transparent layer and said dimensionally stable sheet; and

a rupturable container retaining an aqueous alkaline processing solution having said first pH fixedly positioned and extending transverse said leading edge of said film unit to effect unidirectional discharge of the containers contents on 25 the surface of said laminate distal said dimensionally stable transparent layer upon passage of said film unit through said pair of juxtaposed pressure-applying members and application of compressive force to said container;

(b) passing said film unit through said pair of juxtaposed pressure-applying members;

(c) effecting thereby superpositioning of said dimensionally stable sheet substantially coextensive the surface of said laminate opposite said dimensionally stable support layer and application of compressive force to said rupturable container to effect unidirectional discharge of the containers aqueous alkaline solution between said sheet and said laminate;

(d) effecting thereby development of each of said silver halide emulsions;

(e) forming as a result of said development an imagewise distribution of mobile dye, as a function of the point-to-point degree of emulsion exposure;

(f) transferring, by imbibition, at least a portion of each of said imagewise distributions of mobile dye to said polymeric layer dyeable by said dyes to provide thereto a dye image;

(g) transferring, by imbibition, subsequent to substantial transfer image formation, a suflicient portion of the ions of said aqueous alkaline solution to said polymeric acid layer to thereby reduce the alkalinity of said solution to said second pH; and

(h) maintaining at least the laminate intact subsequent to processing.

20. A process of forming transfer images in color as defined in claim 19 which comprises, in combination, the steps of:

(a) exposing a photographic diffusion transfer color process film unit which is adapted to be processed by passing said unit between a pair of juxtaposed pressure-applying members and which includes, in combination:

a photosensitive laminate containing, as essential layers, in sequence, a blue-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer having associated therewith a yellow diffusion transfer process dye image-forming material, a green-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer having associated therewith a magenta diffusion transfer process dye image-forming material, a red-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer having associated therewith a cyan diffusion transfer process dye image-forming material, said cyan, magenta and yellow dye image-forming materials adapted to provide a cyan, magenta and yellow dye, respectively, soluble and diffusible at a first alkaline pH, a diffusible dye permeable opaque layer, a polymeric layer dyeable by each of said dyes, and a dimensionally stable alkaline solution impermeable transparent support layer;

a dimensionally stable alkaline solution impermeable opaque sheet possessing a leading edge fixed- 1y positioned extending transverse a leading edge of the film unit and adapted to be superposed on the surface of the laminate opposite said transparent support layer upon passage of said film unit through said pair of juxtaposed pressureapplying members;

a rupturable container retaining an aqueous alkaline processing composition having said first pH fixedly positioned and extending transverse said leading edge of said film unit to effect unidirectional discharge of the containers contents on the surface of said laminate intermediate said opaque sheet and said laminate upon passage of said film unit through said pair of juxtaposed pressure-applying members and application of compressive force to said container; and

26 fying material to effect reduction of said processing solution having said first pH to a second pH at which said dyes are insoluble and nondiffus ible positioned intermediate said dimensionally stable opaque sheet and said dimensionally stable transparent layer;

(b) passing said film unit through said pair of juxtaposed pressure-applying members;

(0) effecting thereby superpositioning of said dimensionally stable opaque sheet on the surface of the laminate opposite said transparent support layer and application of compressive force to said rupturable container to effect unidirectional discharge of the containers alkaline solution intermediate said superposed opaque sheet and said laminate;

(d) effecting thereby development of the latent image contained in each of said silver halide emulsions;

(e) forming thereby an imagewise distribution of mobile yellow, magenta and cyan dye, as a function of the point-to-point degree of exposure of their respective associated silver halide emulsions;

(f) transferring, by diffusion, at least a portion of each of said imagewise distributions of mobile dye to said polymeric layer dyeable by said dyes to provide thereto a multicolor dye image;

(g) transferring, by diffusion, subsequent to substantial transfer image formation, a sufficient portion of the ions of said aqueous alkaline solution to said polymeric acid layer to thereby reduce the alkalinity of said solution to said second pH; and

(h) maintaining the laminate formed during processing intact subsequent to processing.

21. A photographic diffusion transfer color process film unit which comprises, in combination, a photosensitive laminate containing, as essential layers, a dimensionally stable transparent support carrying, on one surface, a layer adapted to receive a diffusion transfer process dye imageforming material diffusing thereto, a permeable opaque layer, and a photosensitive silver halide layer having associated therewith a diffusion transfer process dye imageforming material; means for contacting the surface of the laminate opposite the dimensionally stable transparent sup port with processing composition possessing a first processing pH; and means for converting the film unit, subsequent to substantial dye transfer image formation in the layer adapted to receive dye image-forming material diffusing thereto, from the first processing pH to a second pH at which the dye transfer image exhibits increased stability.

22. A photographic diffusion transfer color process film unit as defined in claim 21 which comprises, in combination:

a photosensitive laminate containing, as essential layers,

a dimensionally stable transparent support carrying, on one surface, a layer adapted to receive a diffusion transfer process dye image-forming material diffusing thereto, an opaque layer, and a photosensitive silver halide layer having associated therewith a diffusion transfer process dye image-forming material;

a dimensionally stable sheet adapted to be superposed substantially coextensive the surface of the laminate opposite the dimensionally stable transparent support;

fluid processing composition retaining means adapted to provide processing composition on the surface of the laminate opposite the dimensionally stable support; and

means for converting the film unit, subsequent to substantial dye transfer image formation in the layer adapted to receive dye image-forming material diffusing thereto, from the first processing pH to a second pH at which the dye transfer image exhibits increased stability.

23. A composite photographic diffusion transfer color process film unit as defined in claim 22 which comprises,

a polymeric acid layer containing sufiicient acidiin combination:

a photosensitive laminate containing, as essential layers,

a dimensionally stable transparent support carrying,

on one surface, a layer adapted to receive a diffusion transfer process dye image-forming material diffusing thereto, an opaque layer, and a photosensitive silver halide layer having associated therewith a diffusion transfer process dye image-forming material;

a dimensionally stable sheet adapted to be superposed during processing substantially coextensive the surface of the laminate opposite the dimensionally stable transparent support;

fluid processing composition retaining means integral with the dimensionally stable sheet for distributing processing composition on the surface of the laminate opposite the dimensionally stable transparent support and intermediate the laminate and the dimensionally stable sheet; and

means for converting the film unit, subsequent to substantial dye transfer image formation in the layer adapted to receive dye image-forming material diffusing thereto, from the first processing pH to a second pH at which the dye transfer image exhibits increased stability.

24. A composite photographic diffusion transfer color process film unit as defined in claim 22 which comprises, in combination:

'a photosensitive laminate containing, as essential layers, a dimensionally stable transparent support carrying, on one surface, a layer adapted to receive a diffusion transfer process dye image-forming material diffusing thereto, an opaque layer, and a photosensitive silver halide layer having associated therewith a diffusion transfer process dye image-forming material;

a dimensionally stable sheet adapted to be superposed during processing substantially coextensive the surface of the laminate opposite thedimensionally stable transparent support;

rupturable container means for distributing a processing composition possessing a first processing pH on the surface of the laminate opposite the dimensionally stable support and intermediate the laminate and the dimensionally stable sheet in superposed relationship to the laminates surface; and

means for converting the film unit, subsequent to substantial dye transfer image formation in the layer adapted to receive dye image-forming material diffusing thereto, from the first processing pH to a second pH at which the dye transfer image exhibits increased stability.

25. A composite photographic diffusion transfer color process film unit which comprises, in combination:

a photosensitive laminate containing, as essential layers, a dimensionally stable transparent support carrying, on one surface, a layer adapted to receive a diffusion transfer process dye image-forming material diffusing thereto, an opaque layer, and a photosensitive silver halide layer having associated therewith a diffusion transfer process dye image-forming material;

a transparent dimensionally stable sheet superposed on the surface of the laminate opposite the dimensionally stable transparent support;

fluid processing composition retaining means for providing a processing composition possessing a first processing pH on the surface of the laminate opposite the dimensionally stable transparent support and intermediate the laminate and the transparent dimensionally stable sheet; and

means for converting the film unit, subsequent to substantial dye transfer image formation in the layer adapted to receive dye image-forming material diffusing thereto, from the first processing pH to a second pH at which the dye transfer image exhibits increased stability.

26. A composite photographic diffusion transfer color process film unit as defined in claim 25 which comprises, in combination:

a photosensitive laminate containing, as essential layers, adimensionally stable transparent support carrying, on one surface, a layer adapted to receive a diffusion transfer process dye image-forming material diffusing thereto, an opaque layer, and a photosensitive silver halide layer having associated therewith a diffusion transfer process dye image-forming material;

a transparent dimensionally stable sheet superposed substantially coextensive the surface of the laminate opposite the dimensionally stable transparent support;

rupturable container means for providing a processing composition possessing a first processing pH on the surface of the laminate opposite the dimensionally stable support and intermediate the laminate and the dimensionally stable sheet; and

means for converting the film unit, subsequent to substantial dye transfer image formation in the layer adapted to receive dye image-forming material diffusing thereto, from the first processing pH to a second pH at which the dye transfer image exhibits increased stability.

27. A process of forming transfer images in color which comprises, in combination, the steps of:

(a) exposing a photographic diffusion transfer color process film unit which includes, in combination:

a photosensitive laminate containing, as essential layers, a dimensionally stable transparent support carrying, on one surface, a layer adapted to receive a diffusion transfer process dye imageforming material diffusing thereto, an opaque layer, and a photosensitive silver halide layer having associated therewith a diffusion transfer process dye image-forming material;

a dimensionally stable sheet adapted to be in superposed relationship substantially coextensive the surface of the laminate opposite the dimensionally stable transparent support during processing;

fluid processing composition retaining means adapted to provide processing composition possessing a first processing pH on the surface of the photosensitive laminate opposite the transparent support intermediate the laminate and the dimensionally stable sheet in superposed relationship therewith; and

means for converting the film unit, subsequent to substantial dye transfer image formation in the layer adapted to receive dye image-forming material diffusing thereto, from the first processing pH to a second pH at which the dye transfer image exhibits increased stability;

(b) providing said processing composition on the surface of the photosensitive laminate opposite said dimensionally stable transparent support intermediate the laminate and dimensionally stable sheet in superposed relationship therewith;

(c) contacting thereby said exposed photosensitive silver halide layer with said processing composition; (d) elfecting thereby development of said photo-exposed silver halide layer;

(e) forming thereby an imagewise distribution of mobile dye image-forming material, as a function of the point-to-point degree of said silver halide laycrs exposure to incident actinic radiation;

(f) transferring, by diifusion, at least a portion of said imagewise distribution of mobile dye image-forming material to said layer adapted to receive said dye image-forming material to provide a dye image thereto in terms of said imagewise distribution;

(g) converting the pH of the film unit, subsequent to substantial transfer image formation, from the first 29 30 processing pH to the second pH at which the dye References Cited image exhibits increased stability; and UNITED STATES PATENTS (h) maintaining the laminate intact subsequent to proc- 3,594,165 7/1971 Rogers essing.

28. A recess of formin transfer ima es in color as defined in claim 27 wherein s aid dimensionglly stable sheet 5 NORMAN TORCHIN Primary Exammer is transparent and is in superposed relationship substan- Q P Assistant E mi e tially coextensive the surface of the laminate opposite the dimensionally stable transparent support during said step of exposing said film unit. 10 9629 D, 76 C, 77 

